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Tom Fool Charges To Met Triumph Holds Off Royal Vale While Under Courageous Drive at Belmont; Runs Mile in 1 :354/s By BOB HORWOOD Staff Correspondent BELMONT PARK, Elmont, N. Y., May 23. — Greentree Stables Tom Fool charged to a courageous victory in the 60th running of the Metropolitan Handicap today, while Mrs. Esther duPont Weirs Royal Vale turned in an equally gallant performance that fell short by a half length. The furious stretch duel between this pair drew them out eight and a half lengths before Brookfield Farms Intent, who led C. V. Whitneys Cold Command another length and a half. Tom Fool was an almost prohibitive choice with the throng of 3 7,1283 that turned out in bright, sunny, but windy weather, and paid . He stepped the mile in a sparkling 1:35% over a track that had been sloppy for the early races, but had dried and tightened until it was "good." Only three of the 59 earlier winners of this stake had stepped faster miles, Jack High, Third Degree and Casemate, while Devil Diver equaled Tom Fools time. Third Degree and Devil Diver carried the same Greentree silks, and Ted Atkinson rode both Devil Diver and Tom Fool in their speedy journeys. i Talbott Makes Presentation Harold E. Talbott, secretary for air in the Eisenhower cabinet, presented the Metropolitan Handicap trophy to John Hay Whitney, co-owner with his sister, Mrs. Charles Shipman Payson, of Greentree Stable. The victory was worth 5,800 of the gross purse of 6,700 to the Greentree account. While Tom Fool was seriously extended and felt Ted Atkinsons whip repeatedly in the stretch, after being taken very wide at the head of the stretch and carrying Intent Continued on Page Thirty-Nine Tom Fool Shows Courage In Metropolitan Triumph Holds Off Royal Vale After Duel At Belmont; Runs Mile in 1 :354/5 Continued from Pag* Out with him, it was his first serious race of the year and should prove benefical. The son of Menow-Gsfga, by Bull .Dog, carried topweight of 130 pounds, conceding three to Royal Vale and five to Intent. The first four to finish were in the exact order they were weighted by racing secretary Jack Campbell, Cold Command being fourth highweight with 117 pounds. After the race, Atkinson said, "Experience earlier in the day told me that the rail was not the best part of the track, so I kept him off of it. His action was not quite as it is on a dry track, but it was good enough. Royal Vale didnt gain an inch in the last 100 yards." Both Tom Fool and Royal Vale had shown a preference for firm, dry tracks until comparatively recently. None of the other riders had any comment. Royal Vale was first away from the gate in the Metropolitan, but "Uncle Joe" Renick quickly hustled Mr. Turf into command, followed by Tom Fool and Intent. In the long run down the backstretch, Mr. Turf led by open daylight, while Atkinson was scrubbing mildly on the favorite and H. B. Wilson was also moving his hands on Intent. It was another three lengths back to Royal Vale, who was followed by Raes Reward, Cold Command and Count Turf. Tom Fool began to close on the pacemaker rounding the far turn and took command at the three-frlong pole, while Intent was matching his moye on the outside. At the same time, Royal Vale began to move up rapidly along the rail, followed by Cold Command, who seemed to lack any real punch. Curving for home, Tom Fool was steered to the middle of the track, taking Intent with him, though that horse was beginning to tire, while Royal Vale surged up on the inside, saving at least two lengths. Atkinson swung his stick as Tom Fool straight-enedaway for the long run to the wire and the big bay colt responded willingly, though he gradually drifted toward his rival. Royal Vale continued to gain steadily on the inside and both Atkinson and Westrope were swinging their bats. For a few strides inside the eighth pole it seemed that Royal Vale might get up, but Tom Fool stuck to his work gamely and held the English horse safe in the last few strides. The victory was Tom Fools fourteenth in 23 starts, and brought his total earnings to 54,540. He has been second seven times, third once and only once unplaced. The Greentree colts next engagement, along with Royal Vale, Intent and Cold Command is next Saturdays Suburban at a mile and a quarter. Intent, who had been away from the races since winning the San Juan Capis-trano at a mile and three-quarters at Santa Anita in March, turned in a splendid effort, especially as he is a horse who usually needs a race or two.
